The following articles will help older adults understand how to safely exercise outdoors during cold winter weather.
Wearing a scarf over your nose, mouth, neck and chest is a simple way to avoid health problems during extreme winter weather.
Freezing temperature occurs when the thermometer falls below 32 degrees F. Cold weather is considered dangerous because it is a risk for hypothermia, frostbite, heart attack and stroke. Cold air can also irritate the linings of your airway and lungs.
Fleece is a synthetic fabric usually made from polyester. Polar Fleece is the warmest type of fleece fabric. Microfleece is lighter weight.
Read more about fleece here: Are There Different Types of Fleece The Complete Guide To Fleece.
Core body temperature decreases with age due to the body’s weakening ability to regulate body temperature. This process is known as thermoregulation.
One way to reduce body temperature changes as you age, is to build muscle. The more physically fit you are, the greater your ability to adjust to changes in ambient temperature.
Aging is a factor in your ability to adjust to variations in ambient temperature. Younger people adapt more efficiently than elders (persons 65 and over).
Muscle mass refers to the amount of muscle tissue in your body. Far too many adults over 65 lack sufficient muscle mass. Falling, loss of independence, balance issues, and frailty and some of the outcomes of low muscle mass.
Resistance training will help you build muscle. Typical equipment is elastic bands or tubing, dumbbells, machine weights, sandbags, or the weight of your own body.
Aging can cause your body to lose heat. One way to prevent heart loss is to layer your clothing and dress appropriately for the outdoor temperature.
Thermal underwear, also known as Long Johns, keeps you warm by trapping body heat and wicking away moisture. Wearing thermal underwear helps to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Importantly, you can go outside without getting the shivers.
Take a quick visit to Amazon. You’ll find a wide selection of thermal underwear for men and women either sold in sets or separates, at various prices.
To help you understand product features, read product reviews, such as this one from Good Housekeeping, The Best Thermal Underwear To Keep You Warm, Tested and Reviewed.
Thermal underwear is your foundational garment. Begin layering your clothing over your thermals with either a fleece sweatshirt or wool sweater. Your third layer is an insulated coat or jacket. Layering keeps you warmer by trapping warm air between the layers. Protect your neck by wearing a neck warmer or scarf.
Read more about the dangers of extreme cold on the aging body at AARP.com.
The air temperature can fall below the freezing point of water at 32 degrees F. When this happens, the skin is susceptible to skin damage known as frostbite. Frostbite can lead to permanent damage.
The Presidential Range is a mountain range located in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Named for President George Washington, Mt. Washington is the tallest peak. It is known for its’ record-breaking wind speed.
Standing at an elevation of 6,289 ft. , Mt. Washington is considered one of the most treacherous mountains in the United States. The mountain is notorious for unpredictable and inclement weather.
If you’re planning to venture up Mt. Washington, be very prepared for what you’ll encounter on your journey.
Wind chill is how cold the outdoor temperature feels when the wind speed is factored in. At the base of the mountain the temperature may be 40 degrees F. As you increase elevation the wind speed increases and the temperature will feel colder.
There have been 176 known fatalities and missing persons within the Presidential Range, many of them were over 50 years old.
Mt. Washington Observatory Current Summit Conditions www.mtwashington.org
Wind Chill Calculator www.weather.gov
Irene Pastore Fitness.com 